THE STAR SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS: Sheffield’s 30 best firms shortlisted

The Judging panel for the business awards, from left: Tim Baum-Dixon of Shorts, business editor David Walsh'' editor Nancy Fielder, Craig Such of Azzure IT, Caroline Woffenden of MK Public Relations, managing editor Rob Hollingworth and Neil Large of Lupton Fawcett LLP. Picture: Marie Caley.

Whitespace - Cleverly using redundant television frequencies to beam superfast broadband to rural residents. Could work worldwide.

Ioetec - Won a prestigious contract with GCHQ in November to work on national cyber-security.

TribePad - Fields 35m applications online and on mobile for the likes of Tesco, the Church of England and Warner Bros.

PERSONALITY

Louisa Harrison-Walker

Successful boss of Benchmark Recruit and chair of Sheffield Chamber Council. The friendly face of Sheffield business, always approachable at the impressive number of events she attends.

Megan Abel

Confident and ambitious 14 times world martial arts champion and boss of Sheffield martial arts school Utopia - and she’s still only 20. Has increased the number of classes to meet demand. Coached at other clubs since her teens.

William Chew

Founder of Mak Tok Malaysian chilli paste which employs seven. Former Sheffield University student has a strong business and is instantly recognisable.